Aspirating Airbag Module Slidably Coupled Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag assemblies are large, bulky, and complex, requiring multiple components and valve mechanisms, making them difficult to assemble and increasing costs, especially in autonomous vehicles where larger airbags are needed for multiple occupants.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aspirating airbag cushion assembly with fewer modules that are slidably or snap-fit coupled, eliminating the need for external fasteners, featuring an airbag cushion housing, an aspiration housing with an inlet for ambient air, an inflation module with high-velocity inflation conduits, and a valve assembly that opens during inflation and closes post-inflation to prevent gas loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing airbag assemblies use multiple components and valve mechanisms to achieve reliable inflation, then the reliability of inflation is improved, but the device complexity increases and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The housing integrates the aspiration inlet, inflation conduit, and valve mechanisms into a single unified structure. The inflation module merges the inflator, inflation conduit, and associated valve assembly into one integrated unit that simplifies assembly while maintaining reliable inflation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, houses the aspiration inlet for ambient air intake, contains the inflation conduit for gas delivery, and integrates the valve mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If existing airbag assemblies use multiple separate components to ensure proper function, then the functional reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into integrated units. The inflation module combines the inflator, inflation conduit, and valve assembly into a single manufacturable unit. The housing integrates the aspiration inlet, structural elements, and valve mechanisms, reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps and assembly operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag assembly is segmented into two main modules: the housing containing the aspiration inlet and valve mechanisms, and the inflation module containing the inflator and inflation conduit. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and tested independently, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining functional reliability through standardized coupling interfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If existing airbag assemblies use complex fastening systems to secure components, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function into the modular coupling interfaces between the housing and inflation module. The integrated design allows components to be secured through simple coupling mechanisms that are part of the modular architecture, reducing the need for separate complex fastening systems while maintaining structural stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and provides efficient inflation of larger airbags by utilizing ambient air and inflation gas, ensuring effective deployment without the need for complex fastening systems, enhancing the functionality and ease of assembly of airbag systems in autonomous vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one inflation conduit may be configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion during an inflation event, which may result in entraining of aspirating air from the ambient environment as well
Implementation Method 2
a valve assembly comprising one or more valves, such as flap valves, configured to open upon actuation of the inflator
Implementation Method 3
the valve(s) are configured to close during inflation of the airbag cushion to prevent air and inflation gas from exiting through the aspiration inlet
Data Source
AI summary
Airbag cushion assemblies for aspirating ambient air and related assemblies, methods, and components. Some embodiments may comprise an aspirating airbag cushion assembly comprising an airbag cushion housing, an aspiration housing coupled to the airbag cushion housing and comprising an aspiration inlet configured to allow for receipt of ambient air into an airbag cushion, and an inflation module slidably coupled to the aspiration housing. The inflation module may comprise an inflator and one or more inflation tubes or other conduits fluidly coupled with the inflator and configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion.